Second season begins with district openers

What happened over the first seven weeks of the season for high school football teams across Missouri means something.

But what happens over the final three weeks of the regular campaign, means the most.

The all-important district schedule for teams across the state begins this week. Most districts consist of four squads, with a few having three. The teams in each district all play one another and the district champions qualify for the playoffs.

There are six districts that feature local teams.

Following is a brief look at how each area district shapes up heading into this week's games. All are Friday, except where noted.

Class 5A, District 1

As was the case last year, this appears to be a two-team battle between state-ranked Jackson (7-0) and defending champion Poplar Bluff (6-1). Those squads meet on the final date of the regular season in Jackson, with the Indians looking to avenge last year's upset loss to the Mules.

Francis Howell (3-4) and Vianney (2-5), both schools from the St. Louis area, appear to be definite longshots.

This week's games: Vianney at Jackson and Poplar Bluff at Francis Howell.

Class 4A, District 1

Defending champion Cape Central (3-4) appeared to be the favorite entering the season but the Tigers have been up and down, which should make for an interesting race.

Sikeston (5-2) has probably looked the best so far, with Farmington (6-1) having another solid season. Those squads and Cape Central should put on a spirited three-way race battle for supremacy, with Perryville (2-5) appearing to be several notches behind.

This week's games: Sikeston at Cape Central (tonight) and Perryville at Farmington.

Class 3A, District 1

State-ranked New Madrid County Central (6-1) should have no trouble in defending its title.

Among the remaining three teams, Dexter (4-3) appears to have the best chance of springing a monumental upset, but it's still highly unlikely. Kennett (3-4) and a young Fredericktown (2-5) squad have both struggled.

This week's games: Dexter at New Madrid and Kennett at Fredericktown.

Class 2A, District 1

Two-time champion Malden (2-5) has struggled, which makes highly improved Portageville (4-2) -- which went winless a year ago -- the solid favorite.

East Prairie (1-6) and Caruthersville (1-6) are huge longshots.

This week's games: East Prairie at Portageville and Malden at Caruthersville.

Class 2A, District 2

Defending champ Charleston (5-2) is the clear-cut favorite since perennial power Scott City (2-5) is having such an uncharacteristically down year.

Crystal City (2-5) started strong but has lost five straight while Grandview (0-7) is way down.

This week's games: Charleston at Crystal City and Scott City at Grandview.

Class 1A, District 1

State-ranked Hayti (7-0) very nearly wrested the title from perennial power St. Vincent (4-3) last year and Hayti is now the clear-cut favorite, although St. Vincent still could be a contender.

Valle (5-2) should provide some stiff competition and could actually be Hayti's most serious challenger while Chaffee (2-5) looks like a longshot.

This week's games: Hayti at Valle and St. Vincent at Chaffee.